Self-avowed "start-up junkie," Melody has built companies that range from Biringer Farm, a family-run specialty food business to home furnishings to a fitness studio. Now she runs the CRAVEcompany, a network of companies designed to innovatively connect entrepreneurs who approach business in a fresh, new way with the stylish consumers they desire.

Healthy Halloween Candy

We all know candy is bad for us. It rots our teeth, shoots us on a sugar rollercoaster, and takes the caloric place of nutritious food in the diet. However there is one day a year when all bets are off and we go sugarliciously hog wild. That’s right, Halloween! So what is to be done? Of course, it’s unthinkable to ban the holiday all together yet it is difficult to condone copious consumption of bleached and chemically laden white sugar at best and high fructose corn syrup at worst.

Luckily, the candy world is changing and there are a number of “healthier” Halloween options. Just because we have always bought bad candy, doesn’t mean we must continue to do so. Check out the yummy options below. Granted they are still sugar-laden, but the items are high quality, chemical and corn syrup free, and an easy alternative that will make everyone (skeptics included) happy.

1. Clif Kid Organic Twisted Fruit- these Berkeley-based fruit sticks come in mixed berry, tropical twist, sour apple, and strawberry. Go for the sour apple. Tastes just like a Jolly Rancher but with natural ingredients!
2. Eco-Friendly Endangered Species Bug Bites – bite-size organic chocolates, dark and milk chocolate options. (You can also pick these up at your local Whole Foods Market.)
3. Surf Sweets Gummy Bears – gummy bears made with real sugar and colored with carrot juice and turmeric.
4. Yummy Earth Lollipops – delicious lollipops made with actual organic fruit. Dum dums were my favorite as a kid so this was a real find!
5. Or just go for the Organic and Gluten Free Natural Candy Party Mix.

Who new there were so many choices? Enjoy, take care, and have a happy Halloween!

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For more info: Please feel free to contact Jamie with questions or to share your health, wellness and foodie stories.Email: jamiegd@jamieliving.com Facebook: JAMIE LIVING Twitter: JAMIE LIVING